Rachel: George Lombard Jr. just made history with a grand slam, but the Yankees are staring down a massive injury list tonight. Can they hold off the Rockies in Game 3?
Dave: It’s a tight AL East race, and every pitch matters when your roster is this thin. We’re breaking down the pitching matchup, the bullpen strain, and who steps up if Jazz Chisholm can’t go.
Rachel: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network! I’m Rachel, and this is your daily Yankees preview. I’m joined by Dave, and we’ve got three things for you today. First, we look at the pitching probables for tonight’s finale against Colorado.
Dave: Second, we tackle the elephant in the room: the injury report. Clarke Schmidt, Giancarlo Stanton, and now Jazz Chisholm are all out. We discuss how that impacts the lineup construction.
Rachel: And third, we give you our bold predictions for tonight’s game. The Yankees are 83-62, sitting second in the AL East, and they need this win to keep momentum heading into the stretch run. Let’s get into it.
Rachel: Okay, let’s start with the mound. Last night was huge. George Lombard Jr. hit his first career grand slam, making him the second-youngest player in franchise history to do so. The Yankees won 6-1. But tonight, we’re back against the same Rockies team. Who is on the mound for New York?
Dave: Well, looking at the rotation options available, with Clarke Schmidt on the 60-day IL and Kyle Freeland also sidelined, the Yankees have to lean on their remaining starters. Given Cam Schlittler’s recent dominance we talked about yesterday, he’s a strong candidate. But if he’s not starting tonight, it likely falls to someone like Paul Blackburn or maybe even a reliever in a long relief role given the depth issues.
Rachel: Wait, did you say relievers? If Schlittler isn’t starting, that changes everything. Remember yesterday, Dave, you predicted Schlittler would throw eight strong innings or a complete game shutout. Did he deliver last night?
Dave: I didn’t specify he started last night, I just highlighted his dominance in the minors and recent call-ups. But yes, the offense carried the load last night. The Rockies’ starter, presumably dealing with the pressure of playing in Yankee Stadium, couldn’t handle the Yankees' adjusted lineup. However, tonight is Game 3. Teams often tighten up their bullpens after a high-scoring affair.
Rachel: Right, because the Rockies are 55-89, fifth in the NL West, they might be more aggressive or perhaps more desperate. If the Yankees are using a reliever, who do you trust? David Bednar is on the roster as a RP. Is he the closer here?
Dave: Bednar is definitely an option, especially if the lead is close. But with Michael Fulmer and John Schreiber also available, Aaron Boone has some flexibility. The key is managing the pitch count. If the starter goes five innings, the bullpen has to eat up four or five frames. That’s where platoon splits come into play. Are you going lefty-heavy against Colorado’s bottom order?
Rachel: That’s a great point. And speaking of the bottom order, the Rockies aren’t exactly a powerhouse. But in baseball, one bad inning can cost you the series. What’s your take on the Yankees’ ability to close out this home stand? They’re on a three-game winning streak, but the margin for error is shrinking with these injuries.
Dave: The margin for error is non-existent. You’re missing Giancarlo Stanton, Clarke Schmidt, Trent Grisham, Willi Castro, Fernando Cruz, Jose Quintana, Kris Bryant, and McCade Brown. That’s a lot of talent gone. Every single batter and pitcher has to perform above replacement level. It’s not just about winning; it’s about preserving health for October.
Rachel: Ouch. That is a brutal list. So, if we’re talking about closing out the series, it comes down to execution. No errors, no blown saves. Just clean baseball. Let’s move on to the lineup. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. placed on the IL with a sprained right thumb, who takes over at second base?
Dave: With Chisholm out, you have to look at utility players. Jose Caballero or Luis Garcia Jr. might see time there, or perhaps Austin Wells gets a start at DH to protect the bat. The offensive production from Ben Rice was expected yesterday, Rachel. Did he step up last night?
Rachel: He didn’t hit a homer last night, but the team scored six runs! George Lombard Jr. had the grand slam. It was a collective effort. But without Chisholm, the speed element on the bases is gone. How does that affect the Rockies' pitching strategy?
Dave: Without that speed, pitchers can pitch more comfortably to contact. They don’t have to worry about the stolen base as much. This favors the Yankees’ power hitters like Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger. If they can drive in runs with extra-base hits, the lack of speed becomes less of a liability.
Rachel: Exactly. And Aaron Judge is back! He was activated from the 60-day IL recently. His presence alone changes the dynamic. Do you think the Rockies will double-team him with defensive shifts or intentional walks?
Dave: They will absolutely respect him. But Judge’s plate discipline is elite. He draws walks at a high rate. Even if they try to avoid him, he forces them to throw strikes to other hitters. And with Paul Goldschmidt at first base, you have another veteran who can handle pressure situations.
Rachel: Goldie is a beast. And what about Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones in the outfield? We mentioned Spencer Jones earlier as a key piece. Is he still getting regular at-bats despite the injuries around him?
Dave: Spencer Jones is crucial. He provides defense and emerging power. With Heliot Ramos and Cody Bellinger in the mix, the outfield is stacked. But you have to manage minutes carefully. You don’t want to burn out young arms or legs before the postseason begins.
Rachel: So, it’s all about balance. Power from Judge and Goldschmidt, defense from the young guns, and careful management of the roster. But let’s talk about the bullpen again. With so many starters on the IL, are you worried about arm fatigue?
Dave: I am concerned. If you’re pulling a starter early, you’re putting more stress on the bullpen. David Bednar, Paul Blackburn, Michael Fulmer—they all have to be ready to go multiple times through the order. That’s a heavy lift. If the game goes deep, you’re risking injury to your best relievers.
Rachel: That’s a scary thought. One bad outing could hurt them down the line. Okay, let’s shift gears. We’ve covered the injuries, the pitching, and the lineup. Now, what are the keys to this series? What does the Yankees need to do to sweep the Rockies?
Dave: Key number one: Pitching efficiency. Get the starter through six innings. Key number two: Run support. You can’t rely on the bullpen if the starter leaves with a tie game. Key number three: Defense. No errors. In tight games, those extra runs make the difference.
Rachel: Simple but effective. Efficiency, support, and defense. I love it. Now, let’s get to our predictions. Dave, you called Schlittler’s dominance yesterday. Who are you backing tonight?
Dave: I’m sticking with the Yankees, but I think it’s a grind. The Rockies are struggling at 55-89, but they’re playing at home... wait, no, they’re visiting. Okay, the Yankees are favored. I predict a 4-2 win. The offense scores in clusters, and the bullpen holds the line. Maybe a solo homer from Judge seals it.
Rachel: A solo homer from Judge sounds perfect. I’m going bolder. I think the Yankees explode early. I predict a 7-3 win. And this time, it’s Ben Rice who drives in three runs. He’s due for a big game after that grand slam from Lombard.
Dave: Ben Rice with three RBIs? That’s ambitious. But with the lineup shuffled, anyone can contribute. I’ll concede that possibility. But I still think the pitching wins it. The Yankees’ depth, while tested, has shown resilience.
Rachel: Resilience is the name of the game. Whether it’s 4-2 or 7-3, the goal is the win. And that win keeps them firmly in second place in the AL East. They’re 83-62, and every game counts. We’ve talked about the injuries, the matchups, and the predictions. What’s your final takeaway for the fans tuning in?
Dave: Stay positive, but stay realistic. The roster is thin. Every player needs to bring their A-game. But if they execute on the fundamentals—pitching, hitting, fielding—they have the talent to beat any team, even a struggling Rockies squad.
Rachel: Couldn’t agree more. So there you have it, Yankees fans. Tonight’s game against the Rockies is crucial for maintaining momentum. Check the lineup cards once they’re released, and let us know who you’re rooting for. Before we go, we need your help. This show is completely free, with no ads and no paywall, because we believe baseball belongs to everyone. Your support is what keeps this network running daily. Please consider chipping in via the link in the episode description—it means the world to us.
Dave: Thanks for listening. Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you get your podcasts. Share this episode with a fellow Yankee fan. Let’s keep the conversation going.
Rachel: Go Yankees! See you tomorrow for another update.